Brazil nuts, a source of selenium

Cinzia Cuneo 25 ottobre, 2014 noci

The Brazil nut, also known as Amazonian nut or Brazilian chestnut, is the seed contained in the fruit shell of the Amazonian nut tree, which grows in the subtropical regions of America. It is the single most important crop in the Amazon region.

It can be eaten as is or in desserts, and it tastes somewhat like hazelnuts. It’s also possible to extract vegetable oil from it.

Rich in calories and protein, it is the all-round champion in selenium, as a single nut provides the recommended daily intake. This trace element, which the human body can’t do without, is generally present in trace amounts in foods. It protects against cell ageing and is associated with the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on October 25, 2014.

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.